In the context of global climate change, developing clean energy has become a crucial initiative for countries striving to achieve carbon neutrality. Wind power and solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, with their green, renewable, and low-emission characteristics, have emerged as key drivers in the global energy transition.
This article explores the current state and future trends of wind and solar energy from an international perspective, as well as the practices and challenges faced by countries in advancing clean energy.
The Global Trend of Renewable Energy Capacity Surpassing Traditional Energy
As of the end of June 2024, China’s installed renewable energy capacity reached 1.653 billion kilowatts, accounting for 53.8% of the country’s total power capacity. Wind and solar PV combined accounted for 1.18 billion kilowatts, surpassing coal-fired power capacity for the first time. At the China Shipbuilding Wind Power Assembly Base in Xingcheng, three Eot cranes and six semi-gantry cranes are working intensively, supporting the nation’s clean energy development. This trend is not unique to China; many countries around the world are actively promoting renewable energy to replace traditional energy, with wind and solar energy capacity growing rapidly.
In Europe, for example, countries like the UK and Germany lead the world in offshore wind capacity. By the end of 2020, the UK had installed 10.2 GW of offshore wind capacity, ranking first globally. Meanwhile, European countries are accelerating the development of new energy through policy incentives, technological innovation, and market-driven measures, continuously expanding wind and solar capacity. Globally, more countries are recognizing that clean energy is not only a solution to climate change but also a new driver for economic growth.
Wind and Solar Energy: Core Pillars of the Carbon Neutrality Strategy
Whether it is China’s carbon neutrality goal or the 1.5°C temperature control target set by the Paris Agreement, wind and solar energy are key pathways for countries to achieve carbon neutrality. In China, the head of the National Energy Administration has stated that by 2060, China’s wind and solar PV capacity will exceed 5 billion kilowatts, five times the current total capacity. This growth indicates the increasing importance of clean energy in China’s energy mix and shows that global renewable energy development is advancing towards large-scale, high-efficiency models.
The Asia-Pacific region is a burgeoning market for global clean energy development. In addition to China, countries like Vietnam, with favorable natural conditions and policy support, are rapidly becoming important markets for wind power. Vietnam’s government has attracted significant foreign investment in wind energy by formulating favorable foreign investment policies and implementing feed-in tariffs. At the same time, Vietnam’s offshore wind potential is vast, and as projects progress, the country could become a new growth point for wind energy in the Asia-Pacific region.
Technological Innovation and Policy Support: Driving Forces Behind Global Clean Energy Development
The rapid development of the global wind and solar industries is driven by technological innovation and policy support. Wind power technology, particularly offshore wind development, has made significant progress in European countries like the UK and Germany. In recent years, these countries have achieved breakthroughs in large-capacity offshore turbines, floating foundations, and intelligent control systems, driving the rapid expansion of wind power capacity.
Technological innovation in China and Europe is leading global renewable energy development. For example, China’s solar module conversion efficiency has exceeded 23%, and new battery technologies, such as perovskite cells, are making continuous progress. In Europe, the implementation of Contracts for Difference (CfD) has provided long-term price guarantees for renewable energy investments, effectively reducing investment risks and attracting substantial capital into the renewable energy sector. This combination of policy support and technological advancement is providing strong momentum for the development of the global wind and solar industries.
In China, the rapid development of offshore wind projects also relies on domestic technological support. Crane equipment from Henan Kuangshan Crane has been widely used in China’s wind power assembly bases. Through lightweight design and high-precision anti-sway technology, Henan Kuangshan’s equipment has significantly improved the efficiency and safety of wind power equipment installation. The widespread application of these lifting equipment in wind projects marks the increasing maturity and completeness of China’s wind power industry chain.
Energy Storage and Regulation: Key to Solving the Intermittency of Clean Energy
Although wind and solar power have tremendous potential, their intermittency and instability remain challenges for countries promoting clean energy. The application of energy storage technologies is therefore key to addressing this issue. In China, new energy storage projects reached 44.44 million kilowatts in the first half of 2024, with a growth rate exceeding 40%. This trend shows that energy storage technology is becoming the foundation for the stable operation of wind and solar projects.
In Europe, technologies such as compressed air energy storage, flow batteries, and lithium-ion batteries are widely used in wind and solar power regulation systems. Through energy storage technology, clean energy can be stored during periods of excess generation and released during peak demand, balancing the grid load and ensuring the stability of the power system.
In addition, hydrogen energy, as a critical component of future clean energy systems, is being promoted globally. Countries like Japan and Germany are heavily investing in the research and application of hydrogen technologies, using it as a means of energy storage and power generation. These technological breakthroughs will help address the volatility of wind and solar power and provide more opportunities for the large-scale application of clean energy globally.
Global Cooperation: International Opportunities for Wind and Solar Energy
In the context of the global energy transition, international cooperation plays a key role in advancing wind and solar energy. Close cooperation between Europe and China in clean energy technology is driving the globalization of technical standards and market integration. For example, the UK’s offshore wind projects have attracted significant international investors, and cross-border technical cooperation has greatly facilitated the implementation and operation of wind power projects.
China dominates the global wind and solar supply chains, especially in the manufacturing of wind turbines and solar modules, where it holds significant competitive advantages. With the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s cooperation with Southeast Asia and Europe in the renewable energy sector is becoming increasingly close, promoting the export of clean energy technology and fostering global green economic collaboration.
Conclusion: Towards a Global Clean Energy Future
The global wind and solar power sectors are entering a new phase of rapid development. Whether in China, Europe, or emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region, clean energy has become the core pillar in achieving carbon neutrality goals. Through technological innovation, policy support, and international cooperation, countries are making continuous progress in promoting new energy development.
In the future, as the scale of wind and solar power continues to expand, breakthroughs in energy storage technologies will provide stronger guarantees for the stability of global power systems. At the same time, international cooperation in areas such as technical standards, project financing, and market operations will play an even greater role, jointly driving the sustainable development of clean energy.